Community turns out for Chuck Martin race

CLINTON — The Law Enforcement community has always been a strong supporter of the Officer Chuck Martin Memorial 5K race and this year was no exception.

In fact, the top two finishers in the race, Michael Cimoszko and Matt Depari, are a police cadet and a Massachusetts state trooper, respectively.

Cimoszko, of Gloucester, won the eighth annual Martin 5K last Thursday night, finishing in 18 minutes and 47 seconds. Just four seconds behind Cimoszko was Depari, of Worcester, at 18:51. In third was Travis Wheeler, of Clinton, in 19:34.

Overall, 106 runners crossed the finish line in front of the Clinton Middle School in this year's race. There was also a large group of walkers who took part in the Martin 5K pre-race walk.

The Martin 5K is run on roads and on trails adjacent to the Wachusett Reservoir in the North Dike area. The race is dedicated to the memory of the late Chuck Martin, an avid runner, and a member of the Clinton Police Department (CPD) for over 23 years.

"The race went very well this year, with an excellent turnout, on a perfect night for running," Martin 5K race director and CPD officer Brian Coyne said. "We've had good weather every year for the race.

"It (the race) is a great tribute to officer Martin and his family and friends," he said. "We appreciate all the help and support from the Clinton Police Department and the Clinton Police Relief Association and all the sponsors.

"The course is very unique in being both a road and off-road course," Coyne continued. "Most of the course is near the beautiful Wachusett Reservoir. It is a great time of year to be running in that area."

The 27-year-old Cimoszko, who is originally from Poland, was running in his first Martin 5K. He is attending the Boylston Police Academy.

"A bunch of us from the academy ran in formation, but they (fellow cadets) put a little pressure on me to try to win it," Cimoszko said. "It was my first time here, and it's an amazing race.

"It was well organized, with great views along the way," he said. "I was motivated to run hard and the gentleman (Depari) in front of me led the way. We were out in front from the beginning.

"I was lucky to pass him just before we hit the road about 2½ miles in," he added.

Depari, 33, was also running his first Martin 5K.

"It was a great course, with a nice mix of road and trail," Depari said. "I saw the race online, and I knew it was for a good cause. I plan on returning next year."

The first woman to cross the Martin 5K finish line was Sau-Mei Leung, of Clinton, who is no stranger to local races, having won several of them. Leung, a master runner at 48 years old, finished in 22:13, which was good enough for seventh overall.

In second place was Maureen McNally, of Clinton, in 22:44, while Johnice Bristol, of South Boston, took the third spot at 23:49. McNally and Bristol finished ninth and 16th, respectively.

Leung, who runs for the North Medford Club, trains on the trails of the Wachusett Reservoir.

"I really like the trail race and it is nice to support the local people," Leung said. "I live here, so it is great to be part of this.

"I have been doing the USATF mountain run, so that has kept me busy," she said. "I have done six of the mountain races and I have one left and that has kept me from running some of the local races."

McNally, 49, has been a part of the local running scene for many years. She can often be seen running in the early morning hours.

"She (Leung) is a great runner and was in front of me the whole way," McNally said. "This was my second year in the race and, although I prefer the road, the trail was nice for a change.

"It was a perfect night for running and it is great to see everyone," she said. "I enjoy running and have been running most of my life. I do a fair amount of races, especially the charity ones."

Yankee Timing Company timed and scored the race, while the Clinton Emergency Management Agency (CEMA), under the direction of Dino Zapantis, helped with safety and coordination.

The proceeds from the Martin 5K benefit the Officer Chuck Martin Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Clinton Police Relief Association.

There was a post-race party and awards ceremony held at the Clinton Lodge of Elks.